Expats: It’s far better abroad

HUNDREDS of thousands of expats are ditching plans to return to the UK as their life is much better abroad.

Those abroad – an estimated 5.5 million – say their quality of life is better []

About 15 per cent of those living overseas, or 825,000, have changed their mind about coming back in the past year, a survey found. And as many as 69 per cent have shelved plans to return at all – a 13 per cent increase in 12 months.

Those abroad – an estimated 5.5 million – say their quality of life is better, finances healthier, living costs lower and neighbourhoods safer.

Three-quarters believe they have a better life overseas, with just seven per cent indicating they would prefer it in the UK.

While 12 per cent believed they would be financially better off in the UK, 64 per cent felt they had more money by living abroad. Half said their cost of living was lower abroad, while only a quarter said it was now more expensive.

More than half of the 1,034 expats surveyed by Lloyds TSB International also said their country of residence was a better place to raise children.

It’s worrying that life in Britain appears so bleak to expats

Tony Wilcox, of Lloyds TSB

Gordon Maddock, a former police deputy chief constable, moved from Devon to Almeria, southern Spain, 16 years ago.

After getting a taste of the Mediterranean while carrying out national service in Malta and Cyprus, he had always planned to retire abroad.

Now an artist and author, the 75-year-old grandfather said he doubted expats would be flooding back home anytime soon.

He said: “While many pensioners struggle with fuel bills in the UK, you don’t need central heating in the Mediterranean so that certainly helps.

“Crime varies from place to place and activities such as illegal immigration and drugs occur in most civilised countries.

“Although I return to the UK to see my family every now again, I certainly won’t be moving back – my quality of life here is so much better.”

Tony Wilcox, of Lloyds TSB, said: “It’s worrying that life in Britain appears so bleak to expats.

“But the UK has faced a catalogue of bad news in recent months.”

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